JOSEPH ABREU KINGSTON CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE
From the Countryside.
For the Countryside.
Born and raised in Glenvale, I understand the people, farms and rural communities that make Countryside special. I’m running to bring practical leadership, responsible decision-making and a strong rural voice to Kingston City Council.
WHY I'M RUNNING
Countryside deserves a strong rural voice.
“I will listen, ask difficult questions and follow through.”
-Joseph Abreu, District 1 – Countryside
Countryside has always been my home. I was born and raised in Glenvale, grew up working on my family’s farm and learned early that strong communities are built through hard work, responsibility and neighbours helping one another.
I am running for Kingston City Council because Countryside deserves a representative who understands rural life and will speak clearly and consistently for the people who live here. Our farms, roads, businesses, natural environment and growing communities require thoughtful decisions that reflect the realities of the district—not one-size-fits-all solutions.
I want to bring practical leadership, financial accountability and responsive service to City Hall. I will listen carefully, ask difficult questions and work respectfully with residents, City staff and fellow members of Council to find solutions that serve Countryside’s long-term interests.
This is my home. It would be an honour to represent it.
MEET JOE
Rooted in Countryside. Ready to serve.
I was born and raised in Glenvale, and Countryside has always been home. Growing up on my family’s farm taught me the value of hard work, personal responsibility and helping your neighbours. Those lessons continue to guide how I serve my community and approach leadership today.
Lifelong Countryside resident
20+ years of leadership experience
10+ years of community involvement
Raised in Countryside
My father was a Portuguese farmer who also worked full-time for 50 years, while my mother served our community as a rural Canada Post mail courier for 35 years.
Growing up, I worked on our family farm and helped neighbouring farmers, working in the hayfields, milking cows and taking on the everyday jobs required to keep a farm running. Those experiences gave me a lasting respect for agriculture and the people who sustain our rural communities.
Proven Leadership
With more than 20 years of leadership experience in the gaming industry, I have managed operational budgets, inventories, employees and complex day-to-day responsibilities. I have also worked extensively in unionized environments, where collaboration, accountability and clear communication are essential.
That experience has prepared me to examine public spending carefully, work constructively with City staff and help turn residents’ concerns into practical action.
Committed to Community
For over a decade, I have volunteered with local working groups and committees, representing rural perspectives and working alongside community partners.
I am an active Kingston Police Community Volunteer and serve on the YMCA’s Youth Gambling Awareness Program Committee. In 2020, I also created The YGK Foodie to celebrate and promote Kingston’s locally owned restaurants and small businesses.
KEY PRIORITIES
A practical plan for Countryside
01.
Agricultural Development
Agriculture is the backbone of our rural community. I will work with farmers and partner organizations to remove barriers, support innovation and pursue common goals that strengthen our agricultural sector.
I will also encourage residents to purchase locally and support the hardworking farm families and businesses that help drive our local economy and preserve our rural way of life.
02.
Financial Transparency
Residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent. I am committed to open, accountable and transparent financial decision-making, supported by clear communication and responsible budgeting.
I also support establishing an independent Audit Committee to strengthen oversight, enhance public confidence and help ensure sound financial management for our municipality.
03.
Improving Roads and Infrastructure
I will prioritize safer, smoother and more efficient transportation by supporting the widening and resurfacing of key through roads and major arterial routes.
These gateway corridors create an important first impression for residents, businesses and visitors. Investing in them will improve traffic flow, enhance safety, support economic growth and demonstrate that Kingston takes pride in its infrastructure.
04.
Smart Growth and Environmental Stewardship
I will support responsible growth by balancing development with environmental protection.
By continuing tree-planting programs and strengthening tree-conservation efforts, we can create a greener community and ensure that future growth delivers a positive environmental impact for generations to come.
05.
Value for Your Tax Dollars
I will focus on responsible financial management and ensure that every tax dollar is invested wisely.
Through careful planning, fiscal accountability and the prioritization of essential services, I will work to deliver the quality infrastructure and municipal services our community expects while respecting the needs of taxpayers.
My priorities are grounded in the issues that affect rural residents every day. I will focus on supporting agriculture, improving essential infrastructure, managing growth responsibly and ensuring taxpayers receive accountable, dependable service.
MY COMMITMENT
Accessible, accountable and ready to work.
Listen First
I will take the time to hear directly from residents, farmers, rural businesses and community organizations. Good decisions begin with understanding the people affected by them.
Communicate Clearly
Residents deserve to understand how decisions are made. I will communicate openly, explain my positions and provide clear information about the issues affecting our district.
If elected, I will remain accessible, explain my decisions clearly and work respectfully with residents, City staff and other members of Council. I will not pretend that every issue has an easy answer, but I will listen, ask questions and follow through.
Ask Questions
I will carefully consider the information before Council, ask difficult questions and seek practical solutions that reflect Countryside’s needs and long-term interests.
Follow Through
I will work respectfully with residents, City staff and Council to move concerns forward. I will stay engaged, provide updates and follow through on the issues residents raise.
FAQ
VOTING INFORMATION
Choose how and when you vote.
Online Voting
October 14 to October 26, 2026
Opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m.
Voters must receive a Voter Information Letter containing their voter information number and instructions for accessing the online voting website.
For in-person voting, voters should bring their Voter Information Letter and acceptable identification showing their name and current address. The City also confirms that all advance and Election Day locations offer accessible voting equipment. Official voter requirements and accessibility information.
Advance Voting
October 16 and October 17, 2026
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
District 1 – Countryside residents may vote at:
Glenburnie Fire Hall
1485 Unity Road
Kingston voters can cast their ballot online, during advance voting or in person on Voting Day. Review the key dates and District 1 – Countryside voting locations below, and make sure your information is up to date on the Voters’ List before voting begins.
Voting Day
October 26, 2026
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
District 1 – Countryside residents may vote at either of the following locations:
Glenburnie Fire Hall
1485 Unity Road
Joyceville Public School
2903 Joyceville Road
